Coast Guard aids woman hurt in sailboat accident

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Crewmembers from Coast Guard Station Cape May, N.J., medically evacuate a 57-year-old woman from the 42-foot sailing vessel Affinity near Cape May Sunday, June 9, 2013. The woman, who was experiencing chest pain, back pain and difficulty breathing, was transferred to personnel from the Cape May Fire Department. U.S. Coast Guard photo

June 9, 2013 9:09:35 AM PDT

Associated Press

CAPE MAY, N.J. (AP) - June 9, 2013 --

The Coast Guard came to the aid of woman injured when the sailboat she was in ran aground off southern New Jersey.

The operator of the 42-foot sailboat Affinity notified watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay about the incident, which occurred early Sunday near the Cape May Ferry Terminal. The man said his 57-year-old female passenger had suffered a rib injury after falling into the boat's railing.

Watchstanders launched a crew from Coast Guard Station Cape May aboard a 45-foot Response Boat. Crew members helped the woman and took her from the sailboat to their boat before taking her back to the station.

The woman was being treated for chest and back pain and breathing problems. Further details on her condition were not disclosed.